It’s hard to believe that eight years have passed since the 35th Annual McDonald’s Gospelfest lit up the Prudential Center (25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ) on Saturday, May 13th, 2017. As we look back, we recall the announcement made on Thursday, March 30th, 2017, revealing that Grammy-winning R&” target=”_blank”>;B singer-songwriter Fantasia had joined the star-studded line-up. With a legacy that began on Idol, Fantasia returned to her Gospel roots at that year’s McDonald’s Gospelfest, joining a roster of leading gospel that included Donnie McClurkin, Erica Campbell, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Cissy Houston, Israel Houghton, Anthony Brown &; Group Therapy, Bishop Paul Morton, Greater Allen AME Cathedral Choir, and a special message from Reverend A. R. Bernard from the Brooklyn Cultural Center.
Remembering McDonald’s Gospelfest 2017
McDonald’s Gospelfest, an event renowned for its full day experience, kicked off with a competition from 4pm to 6pm. This platform allowed rising stars of all ages and cultures to showcase their talents in a variety of categories including Soloists, Choirs, Praise Dancers, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Poets, and Gospel Rappers.
Greater Than a Competition
Thousands of amateur artists took to the stage to perform alongside some of the greatest in Gospel History. The main gospel concert, which began at 6:30pm, featured some of the greatest artists in music history, including Idol Fantasia. Music, being a universal language, was celebrated at McDonald’s Gospelfest, as it spread love, peace, and joy to everyone, welcoming all races, nationalities, and beliefs.
Origins of McDonald’s Gospelfest
McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s New York Metro Owner/Operator Association. Over forty years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement, and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants, like the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker, have gone on to successful careers in entertainment.
As we anticipate the next McDonald’s Gospelfest, we look back with fondness at the 2017 event, which proved to be a remarkable celebration of Gospel music.
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